Bay Area Gardening Guide:

Bay Area Gardening Guide: Native and Invasive Plants

Gardening in the Bay Area offers a unique opportunity to work with plants that are well-suited to the local climate, promoting sustainable landscaping. In this guide, we highlight native and recommended plants that thrive in the area, as well as invasive species to avoid.

What to Plant in the Bay Area:

1. Heuchera maxima (Alumroot):

   • Type: Evergreen groundcover with heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers.
   • Water needs: Moderate.
   • Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
   • Perk: Bay Area native, drought-tolerant.

2. Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian Bellflower):

   • Type: Fast-growing groundcover with lilac-blue flowers.
   • Water needs: Moderate.
   • Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
   • Perk: Deer-resistant and low maintenance.

3. Delosperma cooperi (Hardy Iceplant):

   • Type: Non-invasive succulent with brilliant pink flowers.
   • Water needs: Low.
   • Sun: Full sun.
   • Perk: Salt-tolerant, fire-resistant.

4. Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander):

   • Type: Loosely branching shrub with silvery leaves and lavender flowers.
   • Water needs: Low.
   • Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
   • Perk: Deer-resistant.

5. Salvia leucophylla (Coast Purple Sage):

   • Type: Native shrub with purple flowers and silvery leaves.
   • Water needs: Low.
   • Sun: Full sun.
   • Perk: Drought-tolerant, Bay Area native.

6. Rubus pentalobus (Taiwan Raspberry):

   • Type: Groundcover with edible raspberry-like fruit.
   • Water needs: Moderate.
   • Sun: Full sun to partial shade.
   • Perk: Suppresses weeds.

Plants to Avoid in the Bay Area (Invasive Species):

1. Cortaderia jubata & selloana (Pampas Grass):

   • Reason: Seeds can spread far and create fire hazards, impacting local ecosystems.

2. Hedera helix (English Ivy):

   • Reason: Smothers native vegetation, harms trees, and harbors pests. Aggressive growth.

3. Carpobrotus edulis (Highway Iceplant):

   • Reason: Forms dense mats, preventing native species growth and displacing native wildlife.

4. Vinca major (Periwinkle):

   • Reason: Roots aggressively, smothers native plants, and spreads rapidly in shady areas.

5. Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant):

   • Reason: Displaces native plants and spreads easily, especially in sensitive coastal areas.